WE ARE ALL THE SAME!

During my time in the fire service, I have had the opportunity to meet firefighters from all across our great country.  One thing is constant every time I meet a firefighter.  We are all the same!  

As the wildfire season rages on in the west many of us have answered the call to assist in the battle. These brothers and sisters leave their loved ones and normal duty assignments for two to three weeks to live in a tent and work 14-16 hour days to meet a common goal.  

I recently returned from a deployment in Northern California. As with every deployment, I met some amazing firefighters who have a great passion for the job.  These men and women came from all walks of life.  Some appeared as they actually live in the mountains others coming from urban and suburban departments like many of us. We may have all looked a little different, but we all had the same objectives: keeping firefighters safe, professionalism and excellence in our duties. We are all same!

The fire I was assigned to had representation from all across the United States.  From up and down the east coast, the midwest, the great plains, the western states and even Hawaii and the American Samoan Islands.  All these firefighters converged on this small area in Northern California to work under one system to combat a common enemy.  This was one example of a scenario that has been playing out hundreds of times throughout the west this summer.  

I am honored and proud to be a member of this community that we call the fire service.  Whether you are a backstepper on engine company running a line into a apartment or a hand crew member punching line up a ridge. We are all the same!   

As the fire season rages on in the west keep our fellow firefighters in our thoughts and prayers. These men and women are dealing with very rough conditions and are working hard to preserve the life and property of their fellow citizens.  BE SMART out there!